from Jon Miller, Associate Professor of English, The University of Akron, Ohio, USA.

Thoreau, Emerson, and Their Circle, Spring 2006

This seminar is listed with a graduate as well as an undergraduate number. I've defined "their circle" in different ways over the years. This time, we study mentors and friends such as Sampson Reed, W.E. Channing, Margaret Fuller, and Bronson Alcott.

Course DescriptionThis is an in-depth study of major and minor works by writers of the antebellum Transcendental circle. The writing assignments are coordinated to culminate in the composition of a research paper or an edition.

ReadingSee reading schedule, below. Please note: when class is cancelled (for any reason), so are the readings for that class. We stay on schedule.

WritingStudents will write – in this order – five one-page papers, three article or book reviews, one annotated bibliography, and a longer research paper (eight pages for undergraduates, twelve pages for graduate students). More specific due dates and instructions will be provided as the course unfolds. Note that each “page” should be formatted to hold about 250 words, but students may squeeze more words onto the page for the one-page papers (which must be only one side of one piece of paper). Also note that students will have the opportunity, instead of writing the final research paper, to prepare a critical edition of a short, appropriate, unknown work that I choose and provide.

VocabularyTo read, comprehend, and write persuasively about this antebellum literature, you must have know the language as these authors use it. You also need to know and understand the meaning of key literary terms. I will provide a list of words and definitions that you will memorize. The list will start with a few words and grow.

QuizzesWe'll have a brief quiz for every class. Some will focus on obvious details of the reading. Some will focus on your mastery of the vocabulary. The lowest 20% of quiz scores will be dropped (i.e., if we have 40 quizzes, the best 32 will make your grade). You cannot make up quizzes that you miss because of absence or tardiness.

Attendance policy(1) Missing 20% of class warrants failure. (2) All reasons to miss class – personal or academic – are equally good. There are no “excused” absences. (3) I do not require an explanation for an absence. If you miss class, I will assume that you missed class for a good reason. I respect your privacy and do not need to know why. On the other hand, I will be concerned. So if you care to tell me, I will listen. (4) Your attendance record cannot be improved by additional writing assignments or other kinds of “extra credit.” (5) Tardiness may be recorded as half an absence. (6) Habitual tardiness warrants a failing participation grade. (7) I will keep a careful record of the number of times you are absent or late, but I will not bring this to class. You are responsible for keeping your own accurate record of days late and days absent.

Attendance and participationYour attendance grade is the percentage of classes that you attend. Your participation grade reflects your day-to-day contribution to the class. All students are expected to respect the worth and contribution of everyone in the classroom. Your attendance and participation grade is the product of your attendance grade and your participation grade.